Manchester City boss Mark Hughes admits Liverpool are the target as he aims for fourth spot and place in Champions League

Mark Hughes has insisted Liverpool are looking vulnerable this season, and believes Manchester City can finish above them in fourth place in the Premier League.

After the heady expectation a summer investment of £120million brought to Eastlands, that was subsequently fuelled by a blistering start to the season, City fans are now adopting a more realistic appraisal of their side.

Instead of believing they can win the title, now they are looking for a trophy, and to smash the Premier League's cosy top-four cartel.

May the fourth be with you: Mark Hughes still thinks Manchester City can win a place in the Champions League

After half a season of warfare, Hughes has declared Chelsea and Arsenal - both of whom his side have beaten this season - plus champions Manchester United as uncatchable.

But Liverpool are a different story. The Merseyside giants are wobbling badly.

And City, Wednesday's opponents Tottenham and high-flying Aston Villa are ready to take advantage.

'One team is usually deemed as the most vulnerable - and currently that isLiverpool," said Hughes. 'It is highly unlikely to change now.

'Teams won't be challenging for the top two or three. That is not going to happen this year.

'It probably means only one club is going to get into the top four. Maybe it will change in the future. But this season fourth place is one that is up for grabs.'

With just three wins from 15 matches, Liverpool hardly look well placed to resist.

Struggling: Rafael Benitez

Indeed, take out injury-plagued star duo Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres and it could easily be argued City, Spurs and Villa have a better group of players than the squad Rafael Benitez has at his disposal.

Hughes resisted the temptation to heap more verbal insults on the
Reds following the widely-publicised attacks by Jurgen Klinsmann and
Graeme Souness.

However, like a vulture hovering above a dying animal, the City chief would be happy to profit from someone else's misfortune.

'I am sure Rafael Benitez would argue about it,' he reflected. 'The game is all about opinions.

'But
if we benefit from other teams not being able to get positive results
then hopefully we will take the opportunity that presents itself.'

Hughes
warned that City would be in for a tough game against Tottenham,
adding: 'Spurs have a very good squad with plenty of depth.

'If they are playing to their maximum they will always cause you problems.

'Harry (Redknapp) has invested well. He has spent a lot of money but he has brought good players to the club.'